Sophia Letitia Davis, of Dublin, Sligo, and Hobart

Graeme Skinner (University of Sydney),
"Sophia Letitia Davis, of Dublin, Sligo, and Hobart",
Australharmony (an online resource toward the history of music and musicians in colonial and early Federation Australia):
http://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/davis-sophia.php; accessed 19 March 2018

DAVIS, Sophia Letitia (Mrs. J. W. DAVIS; Miss JONES)

Soprano vocalist, teacher of singing, piano, guitar, musicseller

Born Ireland, c.1799/1800
Married James Wentworth Davis, by c.1825
Arrived Hobart, TAS, 22 June 1832 (per Lindsay, from Sligo, Ireland)
Died Hobart, 8 July 1850, aged 51 years

Summary

As of 2017, Sophia Davis's musical and other papers have been acquired from her Pullman family descendents by the State Library of Victoria.

When the collection has been catalogued, I will add the relevant information and live links to this page.

Sophia Letitia Davis (Jones) died in Hobart on 8 July 1850, aged 51. Details of her birth have not yet been traced, either in Ireland or England. Her
father is thought to have been an Anglican clergyman, and a Letitia Jones, listed with a residential address in Dublin, may have
been her widowed mother. Sophia was evidently a soprano of considerable range and power, and probably a pupil of the composer and conductor Haydn Corri (1785-1860), son
of Domenico Corri, in 1819-20. Her surviving papers include a page of manuscript instructions headed "The Delivery of the Voice", and signed "H. C."
(reproduced in Pullman 1982, opposite page 12), and a letter of recommendation from Corri on her capacities as an organist.

George Alexander Hodson (c.1790-1863), music director at Frederick Jones's (probably not a relative) Crow Street Theatre in Dublin, dedicated to a "Miss Jones" his song
Haste idle time upon publication in 1818. On the circumstantial evidence (the song was bound first in one of Sophia's Dublin music albums), she may
have been the Miss Jones in question, though this is by no means sure. Sophia's marriage to James Wentworth Davis, of Mall, at some time a Sligo tobacco farmer, is
not registered in Irish Church Records online, however the baptism of their only surviving child, James Wentworth Davis junior, took place at St. George's, Dublin, on 12 June 1826
(http://churchrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/details/e092670070143).

Among Sophia's papers (Pullman family) is a handwritten draft of a concert program she was to give at Sligo in August 1830, in which she was to be
assisted by Miss Letitia Falkner, and Mr. Falkner, Principal Tenor Singer of the Lord Lieutenant's Dublin Chapel Royal, and a yet-to-be-named Master of the Band.
The program included songs, duets, and glees by Bishop, Braham, Horn, Barnett, and Stevenson, as well as (for Sophia to sing) Rossini's Tu che accendi and Di piacer.
Her surviving papers also include an autograph letter (4 July 1829) to Davis from the singer Angelica Catalani (1780-1849), the most famous operatic soprano in Britain at the time,
and a professional letter of reference, concerning her capacities as an organist, from Haydn Corri (30 July 1831).

Family tradition has it that the Davis family left Ireland for Van Diemen's Land because of the political unrest, contagion (cholera had claimed their
daughter) and tobacco blight. They arrived in Hobart on 22 June 1832 (per Lindsay, from Sligo). James established himself first as a farmer and horticulturalist
on their property, Waverly Park, at Kangaroo Point. In Hobart Town, Sophia first set herself up in practice as a music teacher (professor of music, pianoforte and singing)
and public singer. The collection includes her (slightly incomplete) copy of a rare early English quarto edition (c.1810) of Haydn's The Creation, from which she
sang solo arias in oratorio concerts in Hobart in 1834. Her relatively short colonial career as a "public singer", following her first concert advertisement in July 1832,
peaked in 1833-24 in Hobart, in concert and oratorio collaborations with John Philip Deane, William Russell, Joseph Reichenberg, and George Peck.
She met with her first serious local competition as leading soprano when the much younger professional actor and vocalist
Maria Taylor made her local concert in November 1833.

As a teacher, one of Sophia's Hobart vocal pupils was
Margaret Barron (daughter of the baker Patrick Barron). Papers in the family collection, and other documentation, suggest that she taught
music to the families of the lieutenant governor (George Arthur), chief justice
(John Pedder), and perhaps also the colonial secretary (John Burnett). Among her papers are also several
invitation cards to events at the Arthurs' Government House. Sophia also spent a month in Launceton over Christmas 1834 and the New Year of 1835,
advertising there as a teacher and music-seller, and ending her time in the town by giving a concert, with help from local
musicians, including the violinist Munce junior, flautist Curzon, and cellist Thomas Leaman Beckford.

On returning to Hobart in January 1835 she and James opened a retail store at 23 Elizabeth-Street, him as a horticultural supplier, she as a music
seller and stationer (though music was also advertised under James's name), adding toys and fancy goods and a circulating library in the adjoining house.
She imported and sold sheet music, musical instruments, and in particular pianos. Her papers include documentation of several shipments, as well as autograph letters to
her from one of her most regular suppliers, the London piano-maker, Thomas Tomkison (d.1853). However, after the end of 1836 her name is replaced by that
of her husband in all advertisements for the business, musical or otherwise, and thereafter she largely disappears from notice by the Tasmanian press.

Sophia and her husband moved themselves and their family from Hobart in 1845. James and their son James landed at Port Phillip in April.
In 1845 they resettled in Gippsland, on a pastoral run they had purchased from William Wade (he had established it in 1843)
bringing the music and a piano with them. A bill of lading for shipping the piano on the Ageora dated 29 August 1845 has since been lost, but her papers still include an invoice from
W. Hamilton, Upholsterer Cabinet Maker and Undertaker, Elizabeth Street, Hobarton, to Mr. J. W. Davis for removing and packing a piano forte on board ship,
dated 28th August 1845. According to family tradition, it was the first piano in Gippsland. They and their servants and hired workers
planted a large garden and fruit trees and enlarged and improved Wade's hut. James described it in 1848 as "a very comfortable weather-boarded
cottage, and out offices" (Ettie Pullman 1982, 121). Davis's claim to the land was rejected by the government, and in 1849 he sold the cottage to the
Rev. Willoughby Bean (Lawrence at al. 2009, 69).

Sophia herself lived in Gippsland only briefly; she became ill and returned to Hobart for treatment. She died there in 1850.
But the Davis family continued in Gippsland and were pioneers of the area, notably her son, James Wentworth Davis junior. He was also a
capable amateur musician, having been taught by his mother, and was probably responsible for purchasing the small amount of post-1850 music in the family collection.

Sophia's personal music collection survives largely intact, and includes 8-10 large quarto albums (approx. 300mm height), all bound in Dublin (c.1830), the contents
consisting of printed sheet music, published in Dublin and London, dating from c.1800 to 1830, the majority up-to-date theatrical and opera songs, and piano pieces
and arrangements from the 1820s. Each volume contains between approximately 30 and 45 separate titles. Notable among the contents are rare English editions
of two-piano arrangements of Haydn's Salomon Symphonies and opera songs by Mozart and Michael Kelly; a rare original London printed edition (c.1823) of
Henry Bishop's Home, sweet home, and manuscript copies of piano sonatas by James Hook. A great deal of the music has performer's and/or teacher's light
pencil annotations. A few other printed sheet music titles from the 1830s and 1840s were acquired by Sophia in Hobart or Sydney, including two items from Sydney
music retailer and publisher Francis Ellard, whom she had almost certainly known earlier in Dublin. Until it was aqcuired by
the late Ettie Pullman (descendant, family historian, and professional genealogist), the collection was stored for much of last century in the family home at Waverley,
Yarram, South Gippsland, where the Davis family had first settled in the mid 1840s.

References:

Haste idle time, the celebrated pollacca as introduced as introduced by Miss Byrne with unbounded applause in The haunted tower, composed and dedicated to Miss Jones by
G. A. Hodson, the words ... by F. N. Bellchamber (Dublin: I. Willis, n.d. [1818])

Copy in family collection; another copy at National Library of Ireland

Musical Education. ITALIAN AND ENGLISH SINGING, PIANO FORTE, &c. &c.
MRS. DAVIS, respectfully informs the Nobility and Gentry of Sligo and its environs, that she
will give instructions in the above branches of accomplishment. Educated by some of the
most eminent Masters, and her method having been sanctioned by the approval of families of the
first distinction, she flatters herself, from her long experience in teaching in Dublin,
she may merit the approbation of those families who may honor her with an engagement. Has no
objection to attend families in the Country - Cards of her Terms may be had at her Lodgings
at Mr. HENRY's, Knox's-street. Sligo, July 8, 1828.

Sligo 4 July 1829. Madam, you were kind enough to take so active a part in the concert of yesterday evening, that I owe it to myself not to
leave this town without again thanking you for the assistance which you have so obligingly afforded me. It is rare in this country to meet with a
person gifted with so good a method as yours, and your voice, which you have cultivated with the greatest success, is distinguished by qualities
as useful as they are indispensable, flexibility and purity of intonation. Permit me to assure you that whenever an occasion may offer of
praising your musical science and the urbanity of your disposition I shall avail myself of it, not less from inclination than from justice. Believe
in the esteem and consideration of, A. de Valabregue nèe Catalani.

Manuscript draft [for an advertisement] of a concert program, Sligo, August 1830; Pullman family collection (reproduced courtesy of Sandi Pullman)

[News] and [Advertisement], Sligo Journal (5 August 1830), 3

We beg to direct the particular attention of our readers to Mrs. DAVIS's advertisement,
which promised so rich and, in Sligo, rare a treat to the lovers of vocal and instrumental Music.
Mrs. DAVIS, who is herself generally known to be possessed of an exquisite taste for Singing and for
performing on the Piano-forte, and who, it will be recollected, was highly complimented by that Empress
of Song, Madame CATALANI, - deserves the highest encouragement for the pains she has taken to
congregate the eminent performers whose names appear in her advertisement. We would
recommend an early application for seats, as a very full audience of the gentry of town and country is expected.

[Advertisement], Sligo Journal (6 August 1830), 1

[As above]

"PUBLIC CONCERT", Sligo Journal (6 August 1830), 4

On Wednesday next Mrs. DAVIS will hold her vocal and instrumental concert in the
Court-house of this town, and if we may judge by "the bill of fare" which appears in our advertising columns,
comprising every thing sublime, rich, and beautiful, to found among the collections of the first Composers,
we can promise the gentry and public of Sligo, such treat of sweet soundss they have seldom had opportunity of being
indulged with. In addition to Mrs. Davis's own pleasing and varied powers, she has brought from Dublin several of
the first vocal and instrumental performers, and has spared no expense to render it at once attractive
and worthy of the high patronage which she has obtained.

[Advertisement], Sligo Journal (1 October 1830), 3

MUSICAL EDUCATION. Italian and English Singing, Piano-Forte, Guitar, &c., &c.
MRS. DAVIS RESPECTFULLY informs the Nobility and Gentry of Sligo and its vicinity that she continues to give instruction
in the above accomplishments, as also in SACRED MUSIC. Mrs. D. takes the opportunity of announcing,
that she has for sale two PIANO-FORTES of Tomkinson's [sic] make, Circular, and with with extra additional keys,
which for sweetness and brilliancy of tone cannot be surpassed, and had arrived to her from Dublin, a choice
assortment of Vocal and Instrumental MUSIC. Mall, Sligo, 30th September 1830.

Our musical friends will be pleased to learn that the art has received a valuable acquisition
in the recent arrival of Mrs. Davis and Mr. Russel, both very eminent professors both vocal and instrumental.

MUSICAL EDUCATION. MRS.
DAVIS having arrived in the Colony, within the last week, begs to inform the
public of Hobart town, and its vicinity, that she intends giving instruction
in Italian and English ringing, Piano For[t]e, Guitar, as also in Sacred
music, &c. Mrs. D. trusts that the circumstance of having been educated by
some of the most eminent masters, and her method of teaching, sanctioned by
the approval of persons of the first distinction & talent, together with her
long experience, may entitle her to the approbation of those families who
may avail themselves of her tuition. Mrs. D. intends giving a Concert, which
will be duly announced. Terms may be known, on application at her residence
in Liverpool-street, (late the British Hotel.) N. B. Mrs. D. has brought out
for sale, a choice selection of the newest and most popular music, both
vocal and instrumental. Liverpool-st,, June 28, 1832.

Our musical friends will be pleased to learn
that the art has received a valuable acquisition
in the recent arrival of Mrs. Davis and Mr. Russel, both very eminent professors both vocal and instrumental.

We are sorry that the correction of the bill of performance at Mrs. DAYIS'S Concert, as
announced in the handbills, did not reach us in time for insertion in proper form. In place of Mr. Russell's
solo on the violin, Mrs. Davis will sing the song by BAYLEY, "Sleep on thy Pillow,' and MR. REICHENBERG will perform
the duett on violins, with Mr Deane.

It is with no trifling degree of pleasure that we look forward to the proposed Concert
of Mrs. Davis and Mr. Deane. Mr. Deane's known tact and ability in the management of a
musical treat of this description, coupled with the vocal attraction of Mrs. Davis, hold out no
inconsiderable prospect for a real entertainment. Several amateurs are spoken of as likely to
assist on the occasion, and a violin solo, by Mr. Russell will be an extra inducement for very
many to attend the Concert. We have usually thought, that the Concerts of this place have
rather been wanting in variety; those of Mr. Deane, have generally had a preponderance of
instrumental music, and Mrs. Davis's, (however delighted we might be with that lady's
vocal abilities) impressed upon our mind at the the time, that there was too much of Mrs. Davis.
The one now however in prospect, will combine all the talents, and a variety will follow as a
matter of course.

We are happy to find that the little misunderstanding between Mrs. Davis and Mr.
Russel, has been arranged, and that the public favorite, Mr. Russel, will perform this evening,
as first advertised. Our professionals are not yet sufficiently numerous to allow differences; if they join not
hand and heart together, the public will care little for them, or their absurd bickerings. It is too much
to imagine that support will be given to either one or the other side of a party question, such as that
which had nearly arisen; indeed, in a small town like this, the whole corps may think itself fortunate
if it obtains the encouragement it deserves.

Mrs. Davis's concert was exceedingly well attended on Tuesday, the Court house being
filled to the doors. The performances gave very general satisfaction, the public of Hobart town
being much delighted at so valuable additions to their stock of musical talent as Mrs. Davies
and Mr. Russel have brought. We are pleased to see the public taste so much
given to the enjoyment of so rational and innocent an amusement as these concerts afford.

MUSICAL EDUCATION. Italian and English Singing, Piano Forte, Guitar, &c.
MRS. DAVIS begs leave to announce to the inhabitants of Hobart town and its vicinity, that she continues
to give Instruction in the above accomplishments. Mrs. D. understanding that her terms have been represented to many
families much exaggerated, requests that those persons wishing to avail themselves of her tuition may apply at her
residence, where her cards can be seen, and from which it will appear that her terms for early pupils are much less
than by the quarter or set of lesson. Liverpool-street, Aug. 10, 1832.

On Thursday last, Mrs. Davis, and Mr. Deane's concert, was held at the Court-house.
From various circumstances connected with political affairs, many parties absented themselves, who are
generally patrons of these entertainments. The chief vocal attraction was, of course, Mrs. Davis; and
each performer would require some panegyric in his favor, had we but room to extend our present observations.
Success has always crowned Mr. Deane's exertions on these musical festivals, so much so, that other parties are preparing to
give similar concerts; but, although hitherto the concerts have been well attended, we much question whether they would
be, were there any diversion among the few professionals, capable of entertaining the public. Time will shew whether our
views are not correct.

Yesterday evening the entertainment of Mrs. Davis and Messrs. Deane and Ray went off in grand style. The first part, consisting
of a Concert, and the latter, with Mr. Ray "at Home". The band of the 63d regiment assisted, and the variety was sufficient to attract a full house,
even in these hard times. In the first part of the Concert, the song of "Sleep on thy pillow" was sung by Mrs. Davis in excellent style, and received its
merited applause, Mr. Ray does not shine as a musician, his voice is rather powerful in the lower notes, and the falsetto decent, especially the upper tones,
but he has little idea of cleverly passing from his natural voice to the falsetto - there is a degree of difficulty when he
arrives at passages requiring the blending of the two - beside one very serious drawback to Mr. Ray, being considered a good musician, is that,
his ear is by no means perfect, and he frequently gives whole passages far from being in tune. Rossini's "Overture" was performed in a masterly
style, indeed the manner in which the parts were got up, would have done credit to a band at a Theatre Royal. Immediately after the overture, the
company called upon Mrs. Davis to favor them with "Di piacer." We have been present at many musical entertainments, but we never
witnessed such an outrageous proceeding, as an audience, sans cérémonie, suddenly to insist upon the performance of a difficult Italian
air; however, Mr. Davis finding that she had a good-humoured audience, good-naturedly enough determined to gratify them, and "Di piacer" was given with
a piano forte accompaniment only, Mrs. Davis not having had time to send for the orchestral parts. The song was sung well, and deservedly encored. This lady
has considerably improved since we last heard her. Whilst speaking of an audience being permitted to call for just such songs as they may think proper, we
might strongly recommend that this plan should not be allowed, otherwise much inconvenience may be sustained. If the system is allowed, a concert bill will
not be necessary, the singers and the musicians need but attend on the evening named and the audience can settle what songs shall he sung, and what musical
pieces shall be performed. The National Anthem, is the only piece that an audience ought to be permitted to call for; this is a stock piece, and the musicians
are always ready to perform it, when called upon. After the Concert, Mr. Ray was "at Home" and highly entertained the audience for some time, but there was too
much of the farce, which, unless it is performed in the first style, cannot interest very
long. A motion was made by one party of ladies, when Mr. Ray, very judiciously taking the hint, rapidly finished the song he was
singing and making an appropriate termination of his "at Home" - concluded the entertainment; Mr. Ray, we hear, is about leaving
the Colony by the Arethusa, it is said, he intends bringing to these Colonies, a regular corps dramatique, should he do so, we fear
his expectations will not meet with the success anticipated.

The actor and comedian, Joseph Ray, departed for England on the Arethusa on 12 December 1832.

"The Concert", The Colonist and Van Diemen's Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser (23 November 1832), 2

The Concert. On Monday evening last, the Public were entertained at the Court House,
with a Melange of Vocal and Instrumental Music, combined with a Theatrical exhibition of Mr. Ray's "At Home" - the Vocal Performance
by Mrs. DAVIS and Mr. RAY, &c. The instrumental by our young musical prodigy, Miss DEANE, Messrs. RUSSELL, MARSHALL, DEANE, &c.
Having no regular reporter present, we are indebted to a friend for our account of this festival, which, although not quite so well attended
as some others has been, surpassed in the interest and pleasure it afforded. Mrs. Davis was in excellent voice, and astonished those
who had never before listened to her powers and brilliancies of tone. Mr. Ray was no less successful in delighting the audience, particularly in
the song of the "Spider andFly," which he gave with considerable comic effect; both were highly applauded and encored ...

The Concert announced for last evening by Mr. Deane and Mrs. Davis, was not so well
attended as we could have wished, but the performance generally was much applauded,
and may be considered as reflecting great credit upon all parties connected with its management.
Mrs. Davis sang with her usual sweetness and effect, two or three songs, and Mr. Deane acquitted himself also admirably in a
solo upon the violin, as well as in a Duett with one of his sons. Upon the whole, the Concert may be said to have gone off well.

The colony has recently acquired a considerable accession of musical talent in the
bandmaster of the 21st fusileers who on the removal of the regiment to India, proposes,
we learn, to remain and become a settler in the colony; and Mr. Peck, an experienced
performer on the violin, who, we learn, has acquired most of the peculiar talents of Paganani. These being added, to our old and tried
favourites Messrs. Reichenberg, Deane, Russel, Marshall, Williams, of the 63d., with several others not actual professors, in conjunction
with Mrs. Davis, and other ladies of vocal acquirement, will shortly, we are glad to learn, unite their talents and delight the inhabitants of
Hobart-town with a concert inferior to none out of London. Since writing the above, we observe a concert is fixed for Monday next.

The Fourth Concert of Mr. Deane and
Mrs. Davis, took place yesterday evening, and never in the Court House of Hobart
Town has there been witnessed either such a numerous assemblage, or a more
respectable audience. Judging from a cursory glance, we should imagine there
must have been present, some three hundred and fifty persons: in fact, the
room was as full as it could hold, and even
then, a number of persons were obliged to remain in the Counsels' room. Many were so
desirous of securing good places, that the room
was half filled by the time named for the opening of the doors. Never was there in Hobart
Town such a show of beauty; indeed, we were
completely astonished at seeing so very many
charming faces - and the dress of the ladies too,
was of a style very far superior to what might
have been expected in a Colony of only some
five and twenty years standing. The time
elapsing previously to the commencement of
entertainments in all places of public amusement, is generally very tedious; at the theatres,
the wit of "the gods," passing rough jokes, is
amusing, and will sometimes entertain the
whole house till the curtain rises. Some few
of our would-be leaders of the ton - the Botany
Bay fashionables, were however determined
that the public, yesterday evening, should not
be at a loss for amusement, and so moat kindly
entertained (we might rather say disgusted)
the greater portion of the company, by their
indecorous and rude behaviour - these gentry,
perhaps, thought themselves highly tonish, and
had they been in the one shilling gallery, at
"old Drury," might have appeared so, although, at the same time, we must admit that
"the gods" of the two shilling gallery would
most unquestionably have turned them out.
The audience became impatient before the time
announced for the commencement of the Concert, and the room being quite filled, it was
thought advisable to begin, and Rossini's
Overture to "Tancredi" was given in a style
which would not have disgraced the Philharmonic. The band of the 63d regiment, in
addition to the very numerous corps of professionals and amateurs, did ample justice to the
piece, and had we fallen asleep, and been
awoke suddenly during its performance, our
first impression would have been, that we were either in a theatre or a concert-room at home.

... Mrs. Davis's
song, "Una voce poco fà," was all very well, but the song is difficult, and Mrs.
Davis sang it just as if she were practising a lesson. There was no energy - a
mamby pamby affair - although all the notes were in proper tune, and the music
sung correctly ... Mr. Fulham was indisposed ... Mrs. Davis kindly volunteered
to sing Mr. Fulham's song, "He was famed for deeds of arms," and we think it was
her best performance ... There is no trifling contrast between the manner of
appearance of the two ladies, Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Henson; the first has all the
little stage tricks, of such advantage to a public singer - nay, she has too
much so; whereas Mrs. Henson, were she to copy a little from that lady, she
would wonderfully improve, when presenting herself before an audience. The next piece was the
old ballad, "Alice Grey" - sung by Miss Barron, a very interesting little girl, with a
very pretty little voice - and, considering her age only ten years, (as the bill states) she
sung the song, we believe, very prettily we say we believe, for the young lady's
voice was scarcely heard by above one half the audience. She was, of course, encored -
not we suppose because there was any thing prodigiously fine or musical in her singing,
but because she was a pretty little infant,
appearing before the public in order to do her
best to give satisfaction. In the course of
time, Miss Barron will no doubt become a
good singer:- she has, apparently, all the requisites for a first-rate performer - nor, is a
pretty face one of the least of these desirables.
As to the propriety of allowing a young child
to sing two songs in one evening, it is quite
another affair, When adult musicians were
not attainable in the Colony, it was all very
well to bring forward children to supply the
necessary force and interest of musical exhibitions- but when we have such a host of real
good musicians, it is a pity to thrust upon the
public, children, for the, purpose of taking a
share in the musical performance. Children
should never be brought forward, unless they
have some very extraordinary talent. Last
evening, the auditors assembled to hear the
music, and not for the purpose of being
obliged to countenance the wonderful singing
of a child. If children must become musicians, and must perform before the public,
why not have an infantine concert, where
children shall alone perform - and to which
concert every child in the town would be sent
to witness the performance.

The
second part commenced with Mozart's Overture, "La Villanella Rapita;" and next
followed, "No Joys without my Love," sung by Mrs. Davis. It was well sung, but
did not seem to please very much ... Miss Barron's
"Waters of Ella," could have been dispensed with; besides the song was too difficult for a
child, and once or twice she lost herself in the cadences. She was, of course, encored. The "Dashing white Serjeant," Mrs. Davis
sings remarkably well, and she was in good voice for that song. The entertainment finished
with " God save the King". The whole Concert went off remarkably well, and the audience
seemed more than usually satisfied. We understand the fifth Concert will soon be announced.

Sir.- In your report of the Concert, inserted in your last number, there are some remarks, very much
uncalled for, respecting Miss Barron's singing. It is very evident the writer of
that learned critique must have been influenced by unfair motives. In thus
attempting to nip the bud of expectation, ere it scarcely became visible, your
reporter on the occasion, perhaps, may have considered there were too many
children for an assemblage of grown up persons -but if such was his opinion, why
did he not express himself in such a manner that his observations might do good,
and not hurt the feelings both of Mrs. Davis and her interesting and charming
pupil, Miss Barron. That Mrs. Davis is the most splendid songstress ever heard
in this hemisphere, there cannot be a question; and I maintain, that had that
lady preferred an engagement in London to emigrating among such dissatisfied
people as newspaper reporters and newspaper writers, she would, to a certainty,
have totally eclipsed all the leading stars of the Mother Country. I am a pretty
fair musician, and I heard "Una voce poco fa" sung at the Concert - I have also
heard Madam Catalani and Miss Paton perform the same piece, and I maintain that
Mrs. Davis's manner of singing and general style, is far preferable to either.
Then why the ill-natured observations of your reporter? Fye for shame! Mr. Times - I thought you were
strictly impartial - where is now your impartiality? And then, too, the charming little
pupil, whom you dare say sung very prettily, but your reporter could not hear her - where
was he at the time - perhaps at the Waterloo, for I hear "a gentleman connected with the 'liberal journal'"
was afterwards knocked down when in a state of intoxication.* Was this your reporter, Mr. Editor?
If so, it explains why he could not hear that delightful little charmer - the lovely little Miss Barron.
Having no time to waste on such an illiberal, I am, your's, in haste, F.D.

* We beg leave to assure Mr F.D. that
our reporter was not the gentleman who was
thus maltreated.

MUSICAL EDUCATION, Italian and English Singing, Piano Forte, Guitar, &c.
MRS. DAVIS begs to inform the inhabitants of Hobart town and its vicinity, that she
has made arrangements to continue to give instruction in the above accomplishments on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday in each week, at her late residence, British hotel, Liverpool street, and on
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Waverley park. Waverley park, Kangaroo point, August 1, 1833.

[News], The Colonist and Van Diemen's Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser
(20 August 1833), 2

It may not be generally known, that the parents of that interesting little girl, Miss MARGARET
BARRON, who sung, for the first time in public, at the last Concert, are persons in a very unpretending sphere of life,
keeping a baker's shop in Liverpool-street, opposite the White Horse. - This lively little creature is only
ten years of age, and is now a pupil of Mrs. DAVIS's, who introduced her at the last Concert; after only six months'
instruction. The extraordinary progress she has made in so short a period in music and singing, is astonishing in a
child of her tender years, and reflects great credit upon Mrs. Davis. They arrived in the Colony, per Sophia,
in September last. Mr. Barron is a native of Kilkenny, where he carried on baking and public business, to a considerable
extent; but, in consequence of the impoverished state of Ireland, was induced to emigrate hither. We understand that Colonel
and Mrs. LOGAN take a lively interest in the welfare of the child and her parents.

[Advertisement], The Colonist and Van Diemen's Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser (27 August 1833), 1

Piano Fortes, Guitars, AND ARRIVAL OF NEW MUSIC. MRS. DAVIS announces to the Public, that she has received per "Curler," from the
first Houses in London, a selection of Piano Fortes, of Six Octaves, circular cornered, with Patent String Plates;
also Guitars with Patent Machine, Heads; all of which she will engage for durability, sweetness, and brilliancy of tone.
The Music she has received is the newest, and by the most esteemed modern Composers, consisting of Songs, (English, Italian, and French,)
Glees, Vocal Duetts, Piano Porte Duetts, Quadrills, Piano Forte Pieces, (for juvenile, moderate, and finished Performers,) a variety
of Guitar Music, (some arranged for Piano Forte and Guitar,) Guitar Instruction Books, Violin and Flute Music, a quantity of Music Paper,
Piano Forte Wire and Guitar Strings, &c. The above are this day opening for Sale, at the House of Mr. Wood, Stationer, Liverpool-street.
Mrs. Davis does not hesitate to say, that a more elegant selection of Music of every description has never before been
imported into this Colony. Waverly Park, August 26, 1833.

[News], The Colonist and Van Diemen's Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser (27 August 1833), 2

We regret to observe by one of our Contemporaries, that some would-be-all-important
busy-body is seeking to sow the seeds of disunion between Mr. DEANE and Mrs. DAVIS. Our corps musique is
not yet sufficiently strong to bear up against schismatic competition, and we think that any attempt to disever
the interests of Mr. Deane and Mrs. Davis, as regards public Concerts, would be injurious to both parties, if
it would not materially check the progress of the divine art. We deprecate such LITTLE mindedness; and we hope
that the gentleman and lady in question see as we do - an enemy under the garb of friendship.

Mr. J. P. Deane, having determined in his great desire of affording innocent
recreation to the inhabitants of this Town, by getting up delightful
Concerts, and having fixed his "Soirees" for the evening - we understand
that Mrs. Davis, that second Catalani, intends for the future to entertain
her company, by holding her "Soirees" in the morning, in order that their
interests may harmonize. Mrs. Davis, comes from a part of the world, called Sligo.

... Mrs. Henson, whose plaintive voice we have so often admired, sung
much better than we ever before heard her. She appeared to feel more confident than hitherto -
perhaps, she had been taking a lesson from Mrs. Davis. "Away to the Mountain's Brow" was deservedly encored - in our opinion,
"Tell me my Heart" was her best performance ... It was asked,
why was not Mrs. Davis one of the performers - we believe that lady was the
only one public singer who was absent. We beg to ask the same question,
because, we know, she was invited to lake her place in the orchestra. The
public will not be trifled with. Mrs. Davis must either cordially assist at
the public Concerts, or else consider herself as a retired performer. The
addition of such a real splendid singer as Mrs. Taylor to our musical corps
will render the retirement of Mrs. Davis less felt; but we cannot help
remarking, that more unison is required among the musical professors of
Hobart Town, than is usually the case.

This was the concert in which Maria Taylor made her local debut; the reviewer wrote:

... Mrs. Taylor, if we mistake not, is the daughter of Mr. Hill, who some twenty-five years, or more,
since was the only rival dreaded by the English Apollo - as he has been termed by some of his admirers - Braham, and, as might naturally
be expected, a daughter of such a musician, Mrs. Taylor is perfect in all the mysteries of harmonic science. Her voice however, is, much
more adapted for the showy difficult performances, than it is for plaintive melody - Rossini should be her favorite composer ...

Notably, Rossini was also one of Sophia's favorites; and, whether or not by coincidence, from this point, her
local reputation as a concert vocalist began a slow decline.

We copy the following account of the
opening of the Hobart Town Theatre from the
Tasmanian: - The Hobart Town Theatre opened on
Tuesday last with Kotzebue's celebrated piece
the Stranger ... Between the pieces, Mrs. Cameron sang the "Swiss Toy Girl." There is a playfulness, and enchanting coquettishness
in her voice and manner of address, which is highly pleasant - she is certainly not a first rate singer, and yet with the exception of
Mrs. Taylor, we would sooner hear Mrs. Cameron than any other vocalist in the Colony, not excepting Mrs. Davis - she was of course
encored.

New Music. MRS. DAVIS announces to the
Public, that she has opened a fresh selection of Music, by the most, es
teemed modern composers, consisting of Piano Forte Pieces, Songs, (English and
Italian) Glees, Vocal Duets, Quadrilles, Guitar Music, and Instruction Books,
Music Paper, Piano Forte Wire, Guitar Strings, of the best description, which
are now for Sale at Mr. Clark's, British Hotel, Liverpool-street.
Mrs. Davis takes this opportunity of informing the Inhabitants of Hobart
Town, that she intends, at the commencement of the ensuing winter, returning to
preside at her late residence, Liverpool street, where she will continue to give
instruction in Italian and English, Singing, Piano Forte, Guitar, &c, &c, at
which period she will have out from London, a splendid selection of Piano Fortes,
(Cabinet and Horizontal) Guitars, and other Instruments, by the most celebrated makers;
as also Music, &c, of every description. Waverly Park, 24th Feb., 1834.

The Oratorio on
Saturday last was most numerously and respectably attended, and as we
anticipated, a greater treat of the kind was never afforded in Van Diemen's
Land. The room was well adapted for the purpose, and
the raised stage gave the whole a London appearance. We were happy to observe His
Excellency was present, and under his immediate patronage a second oratorio would be
equally as well supported. The evening's entertainment commenced with Mozart's grand
symphony, which was correctly and remarkably well performed. The succeeding anthem
was not well selected, and although correctly sung, did not seem to please the auditory ...
Mrs. Davis's best performance was "Let the bright Seraphim," and the trumpet obligato by Mr. Long, was correctly and tastefully performed
... Kent's anthem of "Hear my prayer," is a difficult performance for ladies, and so it proved
on Saturday - it was pretty correctly sung, and nothing more. The finale was excellent. The
celebrated chorus, "Hallelujah," was thoroughly well supported. On the whole we say,
never did a musical performance in Van Diemen's Land go off better ...

Great fears were last week entertained that the Oratorio could not possibly take
place, some offence it appears having been given to Mrs. Davis. On enquiring, the reason
of all the hub-bub, we found it to be on account of Mrs. Davis's name having been
placed after Mrs. Inkersole's, in the bills of the day. The Courier, makes an apology for this
inadvertency, and moreover, adds, that it is at the request of Mr. Deane. With Mr. Deane or the Editor,
we wish not to interfere, but we should vastly like to know what are Mrs. Davis's pretensions to be first on the
list. Mrs. Davis, cannot compare her vocal knowledge, or her vocal powers to Mrs. Inkersole's, and in the
opinion of many, Mrs. Henson's performance is far preferable to hers. If therefore, Mrs. Davis cannot claim
precedence, on account of her superior talent; she cannot most certainly do so, on account of
seniority (without it be in years) for Mrs. Curry, should, thus reckoning, have appeared first,
Mrs. Henson second, and Mrs. Davis, third (about her proper station.) We are sick and tired of all these musical and
theatrical squabbles, and not meaning any slight or disparagement to Mrs. Davis, we cannot help remarking, that Mrs. Davis's
name too frequently occurs, mixed up in these misunderstandings and squabbles. The Courier
will perhaps take a different view of Mrs. Davis's importance and rank, in the musical
world: we therefore recommend our subscribers to read the Courier's next puff that lady.

The others named were Hannah Inkersole, the actor and singer
Mrs. Henson, and an unidentified Mrs. Curry (probably recte Currie); the trumpeter, Mr. Long,
was perhaps a member of the Band of the 21st Regiment (Fusileers) (master Angus McLeod).

TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER. As you have not noticed the Oratorio which
took place at Mr. Deane's new rooms on Saturday week, I have taken the liberty of sending you a short account of it. In one word
the entertainment was excellent, and the singers exerted themselves to very great advantage and effect. Mrs. Inkersole (late Miss
Daniells) is a sweet but not a powerful singer: to excel as a public singer she must undergo a very severe course of study.
Mrs. Davis in 'Let the bright Seraphim,' and in the recitative of her Anthem, was correct and powerful - adapting her style
to the sentiment of the words, and that too with great feeling. Altogether the Oratorio went off remarkably well, to
which the presence of His Excellency very materially contributed. You are not aware perhaps that the services of the singers
were gratuitous, - a fact extremely creditable to them, and highly gratifying to Mr. Deane, whose exertions to advance the art and science
of music in the colony are deserving of every encouragement. T.

The oratorio, the first which has ever taken place in Van Diemen's Land, passed off on Saturday the 15th instant, exceedingly well.
The presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor drew together all the fashionables of Hobart Town, who appeared exceedingly gratified
by the selection and the execution of the pieces. Mrs. Inkersole made her first appearance in public, and gave universal satisfaction.
Her "Lord remember David," and "Lord to thee each night and day," were most beautifully given; and indeed, as the Tasmanian remarks,
in her we now have a singer in the Colony - her knowledge of music - her correct style of singing - her accentuation, decidedly place
her as a singer very high in rank; - nor in praising her must we forget Mrs. Henson, whose "He was despised," was sweetly pathetic.
Mrs. Davis's best performance was "Let the bright Seraphim," with the trumpet obligato performance of Mr. Long. Mr. Peck's violin
concerto appeared to give the audience great pleasure, and Mr. Marshall's flute solo was excellent. The finale, the Hallelujah Chorus,
was thoroughly well supported, and was certainly the very best musical [54] performance ever witnessed in Van Diemen's Land.

Musical Education. MRS. DAVIS, Professor of the
Piano-forte, Guitar, Italian and English Singing, &c. &c., begs to inform the inhabitants of Hobart Town
and its vicinity, that she now resides in the house formerly occupied by her
in Liverpool-street, where she continues to give instruction in the above accomplishments.
Mrs. Davis, being aware of erroneous representations having been made respecting her terms, shall feel obliged
by ladies (wishing to avail themselves of her instructions) making application
at her residence for cards of her terms N.B. - Mrs. Davis asks this opportunity of announcing to the public, that
she is in daily expectation of the arrive from London of a large selection of
new music, piano-fortes, guitars, and other instruments, which she flatters
herself will be such as shall give satisfaction.

George Wain, was charged with stealing 230 sheets of printed music, the property of
Mr. Davis, of the value of £12. It appeared from the evidence of Mrs. Davis, that the
prisoner had been employed to repair a pianaforte, and took the opportunity to purloin, more than 100 pieces of newly imported music,
which he took round the town, and openly sold at the different seminaries, and to many most respectable persons, the music being of
the most approved description, representing himself to be a free man, who had received it by late arrivals from England. Verdict - Guilty.
Sentenced to have his original term of transportation extended for three years, and recommended to be sent to Port Arthur.

MRS. DAVIS has the pleasure to announce
to her friends and the public the arrival
of her very superior selection of Piano Fortes,
Guitars, &c. with the late improvements, as also
a large assortment of all the newest and most
popular productions of the most eminent
composers, both vocal and instrumental,
full particulars of which will be given in a future
advertisement when the packages are landed.

We attended Mr. Deane's theatre last evening, principally to witness the performance of the two lately-arrived actresses - the
Misses Remans and Rudelhoff ... As a vocalist, [Remans] is perhaps unequalled in the Island; there is a masterly air in every note she brings
forth, and she can, doubtlessly, execute with brilliancy, the most difficult pieces. In one song, last evening, she accompanied herself
on the guitar, but the accompaniment was scarcely loud enough. Most of our readers recollect "The Dashing White Serjeant," as sung by Mrs.
Davis and Mrs. Taylor, and as if it were a masterpiece by which the talent of the respective singers should be decided, it was sung last evening by
Miss Remans ...

New Music, Musical Instruments, &c. MRS. DAVIS has the pleasure to
announce to her Friends and the Public, that she has now ready for inspection,
at her Music Ware-room, No. 22, Liverpool-street, from the first Houses in London, her superior selection of
Piano-fortes, of 6 octaves, circular cornered, with patent string-plates, and other late improvements; Grand Square,
with ditto; Upright, ditto; Spanish Guitars, with patent machine heads. The above Instruments are of the best
description, beautifully finished, and superior, in every particular, to any yet imported to this Colony.
Some handsome Piano-forte Wire, Guitar and Harp Strings, and Music Paper. Piano Forte, Flute, and Violin Music of every
description, English, French, and Italian Songs, Duetts, and Glees. Portfolios, Instruction Books for the Harp, Guitar;
Flute, &c. &c. Mrs. Davis takes this opportunity of announcing to her Friends and the Public, that she continues
to give instructions on the Piano-forte, Guitar, Italian and English singing, No. 22, Liverpool-street, as also out-door
lessons. August 26, 1834.

"Out-door lessons" refers not to lessons in the open-air, but to those given on other premises than her own.

We congratulate our musical friends on the
accession of new and popular music and musical
instruments just received by Mrs. Davis.

Misses Remans and Rudelhoff, two of the
female emigrants by the Strathfieldsaye made
their debut on Mr. Deane's boards on Saturday
and must prove a great acquisition to the
credit of theatricals in Hobart -Town. The
audience was much pleased with the performance and the talents of Miss Remans as a
singer, are highly respectable.

[Concert playbill] A concert of vocal and instrumental music, at the Court House on Tuesday the 28th instant [July 1834] ([Hobart], James Ross, Printer, [1834])
(originally among the Sophia Davis's papers, given by the Pullman family to the Tasmanian State Library)

Concert. MR. GORDONOVITCH respectfully begs leave to announce to the inhabitants of
Hobart Town and its vicinity, that he will (with the assistance of his kind friends and the professional talent of the town,)
give a Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music at the Court House, This Evening, the 28th instant. Colonel Leahy has kindly permitted the
attendance of the splendid Band of his regiment. Mrs. Davis will preside at the Piano-forte . . .

The Concert on Tuesday night, was numerously and respectably attended, amongst the company we observed
His Honor the Chief Justice and Mrs. Pedder, Colonel Leahy and his Officers, Mr. Kemp and family, with most of the leading
fashionables of Hobart Town ... Mrs. Davis' pupil, the little Miss Barron, did infinite credit to her teacher, and astonished and delighted
her hearers ... The piano forte accompaniment of the different pieces and songs, performed by Mrs. Davis, were in that lady's first style,
which is saying enough. But we must particularly notice her accompaniment of Mr. Peck on the violin, and Mr. Reichenberg on the
clarionet, which were equal to anything that we ever heard on that instrument ... Mrs. Davis's inability to undertake
any vocal part, on account of a cold under which she has been suffering for several weeks, was a great disappointment,
but she certainly got great praise for her successful exertions in bringing forward such a singer as Miss Barron,
in so short a time, and at so early an age ...

We know that Mr. Gordonovitch feels very grateful to all those parties through whose kindness he was enabled
to get up this Concert. Ladies do not like to have their names put in the newspapers, but we must take the
liberty of noticing the kindness of Mrs. Arthur, who, though not present, we presume on account of a late family
bereavement, was so kind as to lend her harp to Mrs. Davis for the occasion. Mrs. Pedder's kind interference in the
matter, and its important results, are not unknown to us, but we understand, that like all who act from truly generous
motives, she does not like to hear her good deeds trumpeted. Mrs. Davis look all the trouble of the arrangements, and all the performers
very handsomely gave their services gratuitously.

Mr. Robertson was charged, on the information of Mr. District Constable Swift, with
being drunk and disorderly, at half-past three o'clock on the morning of the 29th instant, and with raising a false alarm of fire ...

Mr. M'Leod, Band Master of the 21st Regiment, deposed, that he supped with Mr.
Robertson at Mr. Davis's on the night in question. Mr. Davis requested himself, Mr. Reichenberg, and Mr. Robertson, to see that
the Court-house was safe as they went home. They all left about two o'clock in the morning, and found the Court-house lit up exactly as
the company had left it. The Court-keeper appeared to be drunk ...

Mr. Robertson in his defence said, that after the Concert on Tuesday night last, him-
self and two or three other persons went together to sup at Mr. Davis's; several ladies
were there, and all that he drank was five glasses of wine. Mr. Davis observed while at
supper, that there might be some danger from the lights at the Court-house, and requested
himself, Mr. Reichenburg, and Mr. M'Leod, the Band Master of the 21st Regt., to see, on
their way home, that all was safe ...

Mr. M'Leod [said] Mr. Robertson was quite sober.
Mr. Peck corroborated the last witness's testimony.
Mr. Robertson observed, if the Magistrate was not satisfied, he had several other witnesses who would prove that he was sober.
Mr. Mason said he was quite satisfied that Mr. Robertson was perfectly sober ... Complaint dismissed.

Gilbert Robinson (d.1851); see Angus McLeod, master of the Band of the 21st Regiment, which had played at Gordonovitch's concert.

MRS. DAVIS BEGS leave to announce to the inhabitants of Launceston and its vicinity,
that she intends visiting that place about the first of December, when she purposes (during her stay there,)
to give Instruction in the Piano-Forte, Guitar, Italian and English Singing, &c, MRS. DAVIS will have with
her FOR SALE a Selection of the NEWEST and most POPULAR MUSIC, (both vocal and instrumental,) Piano-Forte Wire,
Guitar Strings, Music Paper, Tuning Hammers and Forks, &c., &c. Hobart Town, Nov. 10, 1834.

CONCERT. - MRS. DAVIS begs to announce
to the inhabitants of Launceston and its vicinity, that she will give a Concert of Vocal
and Instrumental Music, at the British Hotel, assisted by some gentlemen amateurs, on
WEDNESDAY, January 7th; full particulars of which will be duly announced in bills.
Tickets, 7s each ; to be had of Mrs. Davis, at Mr. Munce's, St. John-street; Messrs. J. & D.
Robertson, Mr. Dowling, and at the Launceston Hotel. Doors to open at half-past seven o'clock,
and the concert to commence at a quarter past eight o'clock. Dec. 30, 1834.

NEW MUSIC & STATIONERY WAREHOUSE. MRS. DAVIS begs to announce to her
friends and the public, that she has removed to 23, Elizabeth-st. (next the Tasmanian Office and lately occupied by Mrs. Howe), where
she will always have for sale an extensive variety of -
The newest and most popular music both vocal and instrumental
Musical instruments
Piano forte wire
Guitar and violin strings
Tuning hammers and forks
Music paper
Piano forte covers, &c.
continues as usual to give instruction in the
piano forte, guitar, Italian and English singing,
&c. at her own house or that of the residence of her pupils.
23, Elizabeth street, Jan. 16.
FRESH ARRIVAL OF FARM SEEDS, &c.
MR. J. W. DAVIS HAS received by the Eveline, from the first
house in London, a large quantity of the following Seeds, which he engages to be the,
best ever imported to this Colony, and in the finest order:-
Red and white clover
Trefoil
Cowgrass
Lucern
Trifolium incarnatum
Rye grass
Cocksfoots
Mixed grass
Saintfoin
Apply at his Seed Warehouse, No. 23, Elizabeth-street.
FARM, GARDEN, FLOWER, AND INDIGENOUS SEED WAREHOUSE.
MR. J. W. DAVIS, ANNOUNCED to the public, that he has removed to and opened a Store, for the sale
of the above seeds, at No. 23, Elizabeth-street
(next the Tasmanian Office, and lately occupied
by Mrs. How) where he will always keep a
choice selection of all kinds of Garden, Flower,
and Farm Seed, likewise a large variety of the
indigenous seed of this Colony, having collections of upwards of a hundred and twenty different specimens of the most rare plants, which
have been collected with the greatest care, and
put up in boxes by Mr. Davidson, late Superintendent of Government Garden.
No. 23, Elizabeth-street, Jan. 16.

Mrs. Davis, who has made a successful
visit to Launceston, has returned to town,
we are glad to see completely recovered from
the effects of the severe cold which for several
months previous had affected her voice and
prevented her from singing ...

[LAUNCESTON NEWS] ... The concert at the British Hotel on Wednesday evening was most respectably attended, and the gentlemen amateurs deserve much
praise for their exertions to gratify the company, Mrs. Davis presided at the piano-forte, and was very ably supported by Messrs.
Munce, jun. (on the violin), Curzon (German flute), and Beckford (violincello). [Launceston Independent]

Music, Stationery, Toy, and Fancy Warehouse. No. 23, ELIZABETH STREET.
MR. DAVIS respectfully announces to his Friends and the Public, that he has received from ACKERMAN'S,
THE ANNUALS FOR 183S. Children's copy books, progressive drawing books for children, elementary ditto by
Harding and Dobbs, with an endless variety of other useful and entertaining books.
Also Bibles, Prayer-books, Testaments, &c. Mr. DAVIS has also received by the
Thomas Harrison (in addition to his former extensive stock of stationery), embossed, gilt, tinted, glazed, and plain
visiting CARDS; also, for lawyers, briefs, superfine laid copy folio, ditto line folio, ditto superfine line brief folio, of 36, 40,
and 42 lines, with numbers of other articles, too numerous to particularize. Feb. 13, 1835.

New Music. MRS. DAVIS begs to announce to the Public, that she has received by the
last arrival, a selection of Music, consisting of the newest and most popular Quadrilles,
Songs, Piano-forte Pieces, &c.

Mrs. DAVIS begs to inform her Friends
and the Public, that she will have in a short time, a splendid selection of Piano-fortes, Guitars, &c, &c, and that she has
made arrangements to be regularly supplied every three months with all descriptions of
Musical Instruments from the first Manufacturing Houses in London.
23, Elizabeth-st., March 16, 1835.

Itemised invoice, for shipping of a consignment of pianos, from Thomas Tomkison, London, 13 April 1835; Pullman family collection (reproduced courtesy of Sandi Pullman)

Music Warehouse. MRS. DAVIS respectfully announces to
the Public, the arrival, per Lloyds, of her Piano-fortes, Guitars, Music, &c.
&c. Also, a splendid Organ, (adapted for either a (Church or private family) a full
description of which, shall be given in the next advertisement. They will be ready
for inspection the latter end of this week. Sept. 8, 1835.

PIANO FORTES. &c. Music and Stationery Warehouse,
23, Elizabeth street. MRS. DAVIS has just received Cabinet and
Grand Square Piano Fortes, with metallic string plates, &c. Spanish Guitars, with
patent machine heads, &c. The above instruments are of the best description and made to order expressly for this
climate. Mrs. Davis will engage to send them safe to any part of the interior, from the great
care that will be taken in the packing. MUSIC. English and Italian songs, piano forte, violin
and flute music, piano forte wire, music paper, guitar and violin strings, tuning hammers and
forks, instruction books. Oct. 29.

Music and Stationery Warehouse, 23, ELlZABETHSTREET. PIANO FORTES.
MRS. DAVIS begs leave to draw the attention of the Pubiic, to the following extensive selection of
piano-fortes, just received, per "Brothers," from the celebrated House of TOMKISON, London. Families wishing to procure first rate
instruments, have now an opportunity of selecting, from every description of piano-forte, in modern use, and in as elegant
order, as when they left the Manufacturer's House. The prices will be found very little higher than the same description of
instruments could be purchased for in London:-Semi Grand Piano-forte's, with a full metalic string plate and braces, combining all
the new improvements, and the first instruments of the description ever imported for sale, to this Colony.Cabinets ditto, of Amboyna wood, and mahogany.Cottage ditto, of rose-wood and mahoganyGrand Squares ditto, circular cornered with metallic platesGrand Squares ditto, extra size, circular cornered, with double metallic plate, (the
first instrument of the description ever seen in the Colony)Square ditto, circulared cornered, &c &c.
*,* MRS DAVIS, flatters herself that the Public will feel every confidence in purchasing
instruments at her Establishment, from the general satisfaction she has given for the last
three years, as an importer of piano fortes to this Colony; and assures the public that she
will always continue to be supplied with the best instruments that London can produce. 23d Nov. 1835.

Notice. MRS. CLARKE, at the request of many of her Friends, respectfully announces
to the Ladies of Hobart Town and its vicinity, that she gives instructions on the Spanish
Guitar, and Italian and English Singing. Terms, six lessons, one guinea. For cards of address,
apply to Mrs. Davis, Musical Repository, Elizabeth-street. April 19, 1836

Piano Fortes & New Music, &c. Music and Stationery Warehouse, 23, Elizabeth-street.
MR. J. W. DAVIS has received per the "Atwick" from the House of Tomkinson "London." Cabinet Piano Fortes of the first description
with carved trusses, French polished, &c.; Cottage ditto French polished &c.; Square and extra elegant ditto, with metallic
spring plate and braces, &c.; Music. An elegant selection of Concertos &c. for the Violin, by the most celebrated composers.
Piano Forte Music of every description. Quadrilles, Waltzes Gallopades. English, French and Italian songs. Duets glees, &c. &c.
Music paper, violin and guitar strings, &c.

Piano Fortes per "Atwick." MRS. DAVIS having landed and unpacked her piano fortes,
begs to draw the attention of those persons wishing to become possessed of instruments of the first rate
manufacture (now to be seen in her show rooms.) They are from the well known celebrated house
of Tomkinson, London, and Mrs. Davis feels confidence in saying that they are such instruments
as must do her credit, and far superior to any ever yet imported to this colony. 23, Elizabeth-street.

[Advertisement], The Hobart Town Courier and Van Diemen's Land Gazette (13 December 1839), 1

Hobart Town Stationery, Seed, Music, and Fancy Warehouse, No. 23, ELIZABETH STREET.
MR. J. W. DAVIS respectfully announces to the public, that he has just unpacked a splendid assortment
of first-rate PIANOFORTES, selected from the well-known house of "Tomkinson,' [Tomkison] of London, viz.- Cabinet;
Cottage, in rosewood and mahogany; Square, and Grand Square, with metallic string plates, circular cornered, &c.
Mr. Davis begs to remind the public of the superiority of the Pianofortes formerly imported by him, and the
universal satisfaction expressed by every purchaser. November 28.

We must not forget the
stationery warehouse, Davis's to wit, where not only stationery and seeds of
every description, but toys may be had to gladden the hearts and glisten the
eyes of those playful urchins, who are at one and the same time the plague
and joy of their fond and often foolish parents; not forgetting the splendid
musical instruments and first-rate music to be there obtained, not inferior
to the first shop in London.

JAMES WENTWORTH DAVIS, his wife Sophia Letitia and their six-year-old son, also James Wentworth, migrated from Sligo,
Ireland, to Van Diemen's Land in 1832 and, 13 years later, from there to Gippsland's Port Albert district.
The younger James Wentworth married in 1854 and his seven sons and four daughters all survived until well into this century.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the Australian beginnings of the family, Ettie E. F. Pullman, one of some 200 present-day
Davis descendants, has written and published They Came from the Mall, largely an account of the life in Sligo, Hobart and Gippsland of
her great-grandparents. From slender primary sources occasional advertisements in early Hobart newspapers and a few family letters she
has built up a most readable account of life in Sligo, of J. W. Davis's business as a seed merchant bookseller and stationer in Hobart,
and his wife's activities as a teacher of music and concert singer ...

Graeme Skinner, "Sophia Letitia Davis, of Dublin, Sligo, and Hobart", Australharmony
(an online resource toward the history of music and musicians in colonial and early Federation Australia), page first posted 11 June 2016